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A Reflection: Leonardo and the Salvator Mundi Painting The painting by Leonardo da Vinci d Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World) has been newly discovered. Dating around 1500, it shows a half-length Christ facing front while holding a transparent orb as he raises his other hand in benediction (Charney). Much debate has gone around regarding the authenticity of the artwork. It does adhere to Leonardo’s style but is it really Leonardo’s? It can be taken into consideration that Leonardo has been followed by quite a number of students both in his time and until now.

His style has been studied, his subjects copied. It would really be a challenge to prove without a doubt if this is the original. However, being included in the exhibit, “Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan” in the National Gallery in London is already a positive comment towards its attribution. In order to establish authenticity, an artwork in question would have to go through a rigorous process of examining its materials, craftsmanship, style and documented history. Further weight towards attribution would then be provided by the stamp of approval from the international scholars with their exceptional expertise (Charney).

In reflection, Salvator Mundi has gone through all the necessary prerequisites to prove its mark in the art world. Basing on the unequivocal consensus of the experts, it has arrived into the fore as the ‘lost’ Leonardo masterpiece and would now only have to endure the test of time. Work CitedCharney, Noah. Los Angeles Times Opinion: The Lost Leonardo. 6 November 2011. 16 November 2011 .